# Fincantieri marks new milestones in Explora Journeys fleet construction

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/explora-journeys-fincantieri-shipbuilding-milestones/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Jason Nicholson
- **Published:** 2026-10-27T18:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-10-27T08:32:43+00:00
- **Section:** Shipping / Passenger & Cruise
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** Cruise Shipbuilding, Explora Journeys, EXPLORA V, EXPLORA VI, Fincantieri, MSC Group

Fincantieri and Explora Journeys have marked two new construction milestones at the Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, with the float-out of EXPLORA V and the coin ceremony for EXPLORA VI.

The ceremonies represent further progress in the six-vessel luxury cruise programme being developed by Fincantieri for MSC Group’s Explora Journeys brand. The fleet is scheduled to be completed by mid-2028, with three ships already in operation and the remaining vessels at different stages of construction.

Following the delivery of EXPLORA III in July 2026, EXPLORA IV is scheduled for delivery in spring 2027, followed by EXPLORA V towards the end of the same year. EXPLORA VI is expected to enter service in time for summer 2028.

## Construction progresses at Sestri Ponente

The float-out of EXPLORA V marks an important stage in the vessel’s construction, while the coin ceremony for EXPLORA VI follows a maritime tradition in which commemorative coins are placed inside a ship’s hull.

Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, and Fincantieri employee Camilla Ronco participated in the coin ceremony for EXPLORA VI. Consuelo Brunelli, also a Fincantieri employee, took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for EXPLORA V.

The six vessels represent a total investment of more than €3.5 billion by MSC Group. According to the companies, the programme is generating an economic impact exceeding €15 billion in Italy through shipbuilding activity, employment and supply chain participation.

Each vessel requires more than seven million working hours and supports an average workforce of approximately 2,500 people during a construction period of two to three years.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, said the latest milestones demonstrate the group’s long-term commitment to Italy and the development of its luxury cruise operations.

## LNG propulsion and fuel cell technology

EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will feature LNG propulsion systems designed to accommodate renewable and alternative fuels, including bio-LNG, synthetic LNG and biofuels.

Both vessels will also be equipped with shore power connectivity, allowing onboard engines to be switched off when suitable electricity infrastructure is available in port.

EXPLORA VI will incorporate fuel cell technology, while EXPLORA V has been designed to accommodate a similar system.

These technologies form part of MSC Group’s broader efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions across its cruise operations.

Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fincantieri, highlighted the increasing role of artificial intelligence, robotics and automation in the shipbuilder’s production processes.

![3 MM PS2 6313 2](https://pelavox.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/3_MM_PS2_6313-2-683x1024.avif)

## Long-term activity for Italian shipbuilding

The Explora Journeys programme forms part of Fincantieri’s wider cruise ship construction activities, involving a substantial network of Italian suppliers.

According to the shipbuilder, its national supply chain includes approximately 7,000 suppliers and supports more than 90,000 jobs. In Liguria alone, the group works with around 800 suppliers and employs more than 3,600 people directly.

The Sestri Ponente shipyard has built 19 vessels since 2003 and maintains an order book extending to 2037.

With the latest milestones completed, Fincantieri continues work towards delivering the remaining Explora Journeys vessels over the next two years, completing the luxury brand’s planned six-ship fleet.

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Cite as: "Fincantieri marks new milestones in Explora Journeys fleet construction", pelavox., 27 October 2026, https://pelavox.com/explora-journeys-fincantieri-shipbuilding-milestones/